Homemade Pure Aloe Vera Gel

How simple and easy it is, to make my own health products! Well, at least, when it comes to handling Aloe Vera.

This plant has become so infamous that I will skip the introductions, and simply say how great it is for the skin! It is well-known, for treating all sorts of skin problems, from acne & burns, to fungi & dryness.

About five leaves of this size, would make for a personal dose.
Photo from "Health Care After a Disaster."

1. Collect several Aloe Vera leaves. It has a spiky edge, so if you are sensitive to thorns, you might want to use thick gloves, or a knife. Personally, I just tore the outer leaves, by pulling them sidewards.

2. Use a kitchen board and your good knife, and remove the spiky edges from a leaf. Wash it quickly, so it has no dirt or that yellow goo, which is an irritant.

3. Then, press the leaf down against the board, and insert your knife between the skin and the gel. (The gel is the nice firm stuff inside the leaf, and not the liquid goo that comes out of it.) Carefully slice the gel away from the skin.

4. Make sure to remove leftover green bits, before you do the other side. It is quite hard to hold the gel down, without any skin. After you finished with one side, then do the other side, in the same manner.

Unless you've got a better idea,
throw away the leaves' skins.

5. Wash the pure gel in water, quickly, and put the gel into the blender! Do this for each leaf, making sure no leaf still has any yellow goo. It is very noticeably.

6. When done, activate the blender! Give it around half a minute, to make sure all the gel has become liquidy. The end result is a gooey liquid.

A bit foamy, after the blending.

It stays good for many months, inside a tight-lid box! By itself, it is anti-bacterial.

Wash your hands, before you apply it to your skin! Aloe Vera gel can be, usually, applied to any part of the body. Try a small dose, to see if it irritates any part of your body.

I use it on my face and hands! It helped me get rid of some unfriendly skin problem in the past. I also use it on my funky parts, when I feel more funky than usual. ;-)

Do The Pullup! + Pics

The pull-up bar is the most important piece of exercise equipment, for both men and women. Modern society lacks upper body strength and health. The pull-up bar helps us maintain a maneuverable body weight, healthy arms & hands, a better more straight posture and a better sense of balance.

1. The bar is located at the end of my reach,
so I do not over-stretch myself.

2. I strengthen my grip and pull myself upwards,
as if I were climbing a tree.

4. Hang down and lift my knees up,
to give my lower abs some exercise.

3. Going up as high as I can manage
and hold for two seconds.

Interval Back Stretches

I still need to practice my self-portraits! Anyways, I thought I would share this.

Being a regular on the computer chair, it is common to suffer lower and upper back strains. Muscles becoming tense and painful, creating inflammations and echoing the pain towards the limbs.

Once every hour or two, or pretty much randomly, I stand up and purposefully stretch slowly and relax my body. The most important of those stretches is the bending relaxation. Just drop down with straight legs (knees do not have to lock) and pause for a short comfortable while. Feel the disentanglement of your joints!

Spread your legs apart and relax towards the floor,
for up to a minute.

Keeping Warm At Night

Now, I know, every so often I post some personal post, supposedly out of nowhere. I am a conscious Extremist and a self-proclaimed Adventurer, so bear with me. :=D

Autumn, also known as the Fall season, is upon us, here in the Northern Hemisphere of Planet Earth. Chilly nights and more frequent rains are expected, for many of us, in temperate climates. With this, I would like to discuss keeping warm at night and during sleep.

And don't forget to keep chic!

Every time the weather changes, I am reminded just how precarious it is, to let the body lose its' natural warmth. After a couple of cold nights and rather bad sleep, I have pulled out my pajama (just sweat shirt and pants, really) from the closet, once more. Ahh, how cuddly!

We may not always notice it, but our sleep and health can quickly deteriorate, when the body is not kept warm during sleep. It is the most important time of all to protect ourselves. Sleep is when we heal and rejuvenate from our daily efforts.

With that said, we should always keep a healthy airflow through our closed spaces, so it is better to wear more and cuddle, then to shut the windows completely, and suffocate!

So, as a short reminder, keep warm and dress well for your sleep. It is, after all, an important social event, between you and your dreams. ;-}

How I Learned To Be Hungry

At the tender age of twenty(20), I started taking interest in my diet, as a particular. Before then, I mostly bothered with avoiding the "really bad" items, like Coke Inc. sodas and McBlurghs.

You see, it is a funny thing, but I was actually raised on those two seemingly friendly corporations. We always had Coca Cola in the fridge, growing up, and it was not a rare event for us to get eat at the local Burger King. Oh, memories...

(A couple paragraphs about my childhood... Skip it if you can't bother...)
Now, surprisingly, already as children, both me and my older brother started condemning our parents for smoking. We were raised on certain values, such as the nineties(90's) American television, and we did not really have other sources of acculturation. It did not take much, from that act, to turn against Coke. Such consuming habits (pun intended) were bad for people, and we saw the truth in that; even if it was coated with zeal and general morality on the TV.

Eventually, I noticed myself becoming more fat than I wanted to be, as a kid that watched a lot of WWF and NWN wrestling and valued physical aesthetics. I realized that it was not just "bad" consumables that were hurting people, but it was a greater issue to observe and examine. At that point, I started noticing my diet, and reduced specific items, such as Peanut snacks ("Shoosh") and pita bread (that extremely doughy bread, if you've ever seen one.) It worked.
(End of childhood bit.)

As an older teenager, looking for more excitement and understanding, I learned of vegetarianism and veganism. I took the time to experiment with different foods, that I would either reduce and avoid or introduce and increase. I decided to completely embrace a 99.9% vegetarian diet, and eventually vegan, at about twenty(20).

Joel Salatin knows how it feels like, to be a hungry farmer.

In recent years, after much learning from experience, I have come to the conclusion, that while I do support the moral issue of killing or mistreating animals for food (or otherwise), I do not feel that I would rather starve, than feed on others. A year with hippie anarchists in nature, with very little food, and also a lot of adventures, in both East and West, has taught me the value of eating what is available.

Only recently, have I really learned the meaning of being hungry. Do not get me wrong now, I had many occasions in which I was famished, but managed with the little bread and fruit that were available. But, that only worked when I was living an abnormal (and generally unsustainable) life style. I feel that the excitement kept me going, mostly.

So, to conclude, while a person can survive on less, at least more often than not; it does seem apparent, that living hungry is not pleasant or wanted. These days, at twenty-six(26), I am still 99% vegetarian, but I eat cheese regularly to keep full, and even some eggs.

Eating the flesh of animals is still not attractive for me, morally, so I avoid it; but, I do get those little tidbits here and there, when they are made available.

What about road kill and moral corpse consumption?

Honestly, I have to agree that it is moral to eat it, if you found it dead. However, it would not be so, if you know that its' death had anything to do with you being hungry.

I imagine a farmer, keeping an eye out for fresh corpses, to quickly process for eating and storage. It might not be sexy, but hunger does not seem to care about aesthetics.

Sleep As Much As You Can

Yes. I have said it. Those who say otherwise are biased, and thus are strictly wrong.

The myth of oversleeping is nonsense, that the popular media keeps encouraging due to those old notions, that people should wake up early - regardless of when they go to sleep.

Thanks to Cat Kalen for braving this topic!

In schools and work places, those nifty enslavement institutions, people are expected to wake up at the same hour, regardless of their own personal situation. This is stupid. It might have worked for previous generations, but with the advent of technology and the internet, we see a decrease in the uniformity of sleeping & waking hours in modern society.

Simply put, when you have had enough sleep, then you wake up. Naturally. We do not fall asleep by choice, and we should not wake up by choice. Surely, if there is anything alarming happening, then we would break our sleep. But, that is the exception, and must not be the rule. "Alarm" clocks are evil. They stress you first thing in the morning, and by disturbing your natural sleep patterns, they induce the effects of sleep deprivation.

Stuart drinks a cup of coffee and falls asleep.

I was horrored to see how many articles on Google say the opposite of what I, and others, are saying about this.

While there is indeed a plethora of researchers and doctors claiming the former, there are as many, if not so popularized, who say the latter. So, do your own study and self-evaluation. Do not let people convince you that you are in the wrong, just because you are different.

Sleep well. ;-)

Seeking Depth Within Life

I've always been a big fan of the philosophic and Buddhist practice of wondering about the origin of things. For example, before eating one will wonder about the origins and source of their food and drink. Where does it come from? Who collected it? Who prepared it?

Old Habits Die Hard?

I feel that this practice is extremely relevant to the understanding of the true meaning of all things in life. Many might question if their choices and practices are good or bad. The best way to get an answer for that, even if a personal one, is by learning and discovering the origins and processes things go through to reach us. Should I act in a certain way? Should I consume a certain thing? What is the meaning of life?

Yes. I feel that it is an easy way of attaining the meaning of life for each of us. Simply check about your life. If there is any dissatisfaction left after the research, then go ahead and check into the origins of your dissatisfaction! It's as simple as that. Eventually, clarity and purpose are always revealed. :-)

Eye & Eyelid Care (Blepharitis or Pinkeye)

Healthy, clean, and happily seeing.

Today, I would like to discuss my experience with caring for the eyes, or more specifically the eyelids. I have very sensitive eyelids that tend to inflame every once in a while, for several years now. This experience has taught me a lot about eye care.

A. The first and most important thing to remember is that the eyes, as does the entire body, heal themselves constantly. All parts and particles are constantly refreshed. This process seems to take place mostly during sleep at night.

B. Sleep well and comfortably. There is interesting research from animals and apes to suggest that sleeping in different postures affects us in different ways. Sleeping on the stomach, for periods of time, seems to assist in digestion. Some claim that our metabolic system is strongly connected to the eyes, therefor healthy nutrition and digestion is paramount.

C. Externally, using natural soap - to your selection - is a great way to assist in keeping harmful substances and bacteria away. Washing the face with some soap, and washing it away with water after, would help keep the skin clean and healthy.

D. The eyes can be very sensitive both to dryness and moisture. I find that moisture, such as water residues after a face wash, can nourish bacteria and make the eyes more sensitive. Using a towel to make sure, carefully and gently, that the eyelids are dry, after washing, helps a lot.

E. Clean hands can help clean the eyes. While the eyes produce sticky wastes to protect themselves, and especially so during sleep, they can't always remove them properly. These are usually removed at the edges of the eyelids. It is possible to assist the eyelids in cleanup, by using clean hands - after washing, even with soap - to gently pull away the crust from the more sensitive area of the eye and away. I find a little gentle use of fingernail helps.

F. Inflamed or injured eyes should never be scratched or rubbed. Only healthy eyes can tolerate this mechanical maneuver  In order to locate and remove irritants from sensitive eyes, you should use a mirror under good lighting. Use clean hands and gently remove any hair or dirt located. Pinpoint the spot, and never attack the eye in its' entirety, for it will get even more sensitive if you do.

G. Lastly, the most important occasions for eye-care are before going to sleep and directly after waking up. Before you go to bed, make sure your eyes are clean and dry. Even a little cleanup can help a lot. After waking up, if you have special sensitivity or injury, wash up and dry up. Use a mirror to identify any crust or hairs that may not have been removed during the morning wash. Wastes from the eyes can be very sticky and insistent, and this is why eye infections are often chronic and persistent, in my experience.

Enjoy healthy and clear eyes! :-)

Fail Brilliantly by Gwen Gordon

In nine (9) pages, Gwen manages to bring us into her private world of challenge and chance. This piece is related to Buddhism and the practice of meditation, and how it has intertwined itself into her life. In it, Gwen raises some important questions about the validity of such a practice, and shares with us her fascinating answers.

http://www.gwengordonplay.com/pdf/fail_brilliantly.pdf

Enjoy.

Time To Sit Down

Socrates 400BC.

Meditation. The word has changed its' meaning quite profusely since the time of the ancient Greek philosophers. Originally, it held a wide meaning of taking time to ponder or think through. The idea was that knowledge is in itself the peak of realization.

Acariya Mun of the
Thailand Buddhist
Tradition.

Today, due to the expansion of Buddhist teachings around the world, meditation is used as a term for the action of being without disturbance. This new term disregards the value of knowledge, while emphasizing on the conditions necessary in order to obtain such knowledge.

I practice awareness meditation often. I value this practice and the Buddhist teachings and traditions. This has allowed me to be more aware of my life and environment. While more awareness also means more pressure to take responsibility, it is worthwhile and definitely recommended.

Want to try? Find a place where you are serene and have no disturbances at all. No people, no devices, no games and nothing else to draw your attention. Keep your attention calm and serene, and see how you feel after an hour of this practice. It is not important to keep any specific position, as long as your are not disturbed by this. I often switch from sitting to walking and so forth. Also, it is not important what you think or do not think about. There is no need to control anything, except for your surroundings and the choice to remain in that empty place. There is not even a need to set a certain amount of time for this practice, at all.

Broad (Fava) Beans Are Awesome

They grow so well.
Dozens of them growing in my garden.

Coming from the Middle East, I was confused about the difference between Ful (Fūl medammis) and Broad Beans. In the markets, the white broad beans are usually titled "Great Northern Broad Beans", while the common and local beige/brown colored broad beans are simply called "Ful".

Common and simple!

This is after the very common Arabic dish, which is basically cooking and turning the brown broad beans into a paste. Delicious.

FYI, I often take a dried bean and suck on it, until the shell is removed, and then snack on it raw. Buhahaha :=P

How To Be Happy With Poverty

It has always been a common issue with people around me. Poverty, or the lack of insight for a financial future. Today, I feel I must respond to an article I found on the matter at:
wikihow.com/Be-Happy-Despite-Poverty
There is a misunderstanding with the issue of finance. Many assume that the ability to finance is related to both luck and opportunity. The reality is reversed. Finance is only constructed by need and ambition. When you may one day find yourself without a place to sleep in - then you have the need. Sometimes, all it takes is a warning. Such as feeling that going out for a party is just too expensive, before the month ends. o-o

Ambition is special. The will to drive yourself to success, and the intuition to choose the relevant options for you. The motivation to do it alone, and do it against all opposition, just because it is the right thing to do. For you. For me. A balanced mix, constructed by effort and education (knowledge), gives fruit to finance and success.

Poverty is a lacking. A wise person knows to manage what-is, and to employ any available resources for improvement daily. For a wise person, financial success is only periodic, while poverty is nonexistent.

My two cents, Inc.

Showering versus Bathing

I don't know these kids,
but they sure are having fun!

In the past, people would wash themselves either in natural water basins, or using a bucket. In pre-historic times, I can reliably claim that only natural water sources were used.

Today on the other hand, it seems that the lack of free time together with stress, has reduced bathing to a minimum. I conclude from this about the contemporary use of soap.

It seems obvious that while people were soaking in water for extended periods of time, their skin would cleanse and refresh efficiently. When water is scarce, or expensive, the use of natural plant oils as soap can reduce water usage tremendously. Therefor, if a person does not enjoy a lengthy amount of time inside water (e.g. Swimming), then I would certainly recommend using soap. Only then would the skin and its' pores be honestly clean.

Lemon Water [FREE]

Slice a lemon in half. Prepare an empty and clean cup; preferably from glass.

Take saw-knife or fork, and grind the flesh of the lemon into the cup. Make sure you turn the lemon towards the cup, so you do not spray nor leak beyond the edges. Juice will flow - maybe some seeds as well. No worries, for the seeds drop to the bottom.

Add water. Not too much. Probably just a bit more than the amount of juice. Mix with the fork or knife. A sweet-sour drink is ready for you enjoyment! :-)

Eating Fresh And Low Sodium.

200mg Sodium per 100g
My choice of cream!

It took me a while to realize that our Human bodies can seriously get dehydrated by confusing certain foods that digest slowly and contain a lot of sodium - or salt in common language.

For example, for dairy eaters such as myself with an attraction to cream or yogurt cheese (spreadable), it is a mandatory action to check the sodium content listed on the package. I have felt the difference between choices in practice already, and recommend that you notice it as well!